The state Department of Public Health said Wednesday that the 2013 rate for all infants was 8.6 deaths per 1,000 live births. That was down from 8.9 recorded in 2012.

The department says the infant mortality rate among black babies was 12.6, which was the lowest since the state began keeping records in 1950. The rate among white infants rose from 6.6 in 2012 to 6.9 in 2013.

State Health Officer Don Williamson says Alabama's medical community has worked to decrease elective early deliveries, which has produced better outcomes. He says other factors include increased care during pregnancies and better family planning with the advent of long-acting reversible contraceptives.